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The periodical cicada, Magicicada septendecim, finally emerged this spring at the U.S. National Arboretum.

This fascinating event occurs every 17 years, and is a real treat for anyone who has an interest in entomology. A group of periodical cicadas that live in a specific area, often covering parts of several states, emerge at the same time and are known as a brood. There are at least 30 known broods, and Brood X, which emerges this year, is the most spectacular and occurs over a large part of the mid-Atlantic region and parts of the Midwest.